Lifeline 4 Paws Among First Tailwagger 'Waggy Award' Recipients

Chris Hogan, executive vice president of the Hogan Family Foundation and head of Lifeline 4 Paws in Newbury Park, is being honored February 23, 2014 by The Tailwaggers Foundation for her major contributions to the welfare of sick and injured dogs under the care of qualified animal rescue and other groups.

Hogan Family Foundation

The Tailwaggers Foundation is presenting its first Waggy Awards February 23, 2014 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, honoring individuals who have demonstrated their deep conviction in improving animal health and welfare. Chris Hogan, executive vice president of the Hogan Family Foundation and head of Lifeline 4 Paws in Newbury Park, is among the Tailwaggers' first recipients of the prestigious award.

Todd Wagner, founder of The Tailwaggers Foundation, notes, "With the Waggy Awards, we wanted to publically honor individuals who we feel have demonstrated remarkable spirit and conviction in the crusade to improve the health and welfare of animals in our local community and around the world. All animals need a voice and advocates to ensure they may live long, happy lives in loving homes."

He added that Lifeline 4 Paws had provided more than $1.6 million in the past four years alone for veterinarian sponsorships of non-routine medical treatment for over 2,000 sick and injured dogs in the care of qualified rescue organizations. "Today, Chris Hogan works closely with a network of over 100, reputable dog-rescue organizations, caring volunteer groups, and veterinarian medical teams in California. Her involvement and generous contributions have made a tremendous difference in the rescue community and in the lives of thousands of deserving animals."

A take-off on the Academy Awards, the Waggys is being held at the same location as the film industry's mega event, only a week prior. The Tailwagger's Foundation is looking to attract 150 attendees at $60 a head to its ceremonies and generate much-needed funds to continue its efforts in bettering the lives of cats and dogs.

Inspired by Hogan's Lifeline 4 Paws, Wagner formed The Tailwaggers Foundation, which is now providing financial support to other rescue organizations. He says this funding approach extends his reach tremendously and enhances the number of animals he can help. He states, "Most animal rescues spend up to 50 percent of their budgets to medically treat sick and injured animals, but, sadly, their limited finances are not nearly enough to care for all of the animals that come through their doors. There is little hope for those they cannot afford to help."

In addition to Hogan, a 2014 Waggy award will be going to Manuel Oteyza and Gabriela Cowperthwaite, producer and director of the critically acclaimed CNN documentary film "Blackfish," which details the lives and captive treatment of the highly intelligent orcas. A third award will go to Mitch O'Farrell, Los Angeles 13th District City Council Representative, who led the effort to ban the use in Los Angeles of abusive "bull hooks" to train and discipline elephants.

Tickets at $60 per person for the inaugural Waggy Awards may be purchased online at www.thetailwaggersfoundation.org or at Tailwagger stores in Hollywood or West Hollywood. Donations may also be made on the website. Every dollar raised goes toward the funding program.

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This story is contributed by a member of the community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with Ventura County Star.